The Fallibility of Evidence

Where it surfaces

• The Rasp

  The discovery of a woman's hair and finger marks introduces early evidence that may be misleading or incomplete, underscoring the theme.

• III

  Boyd notes the lack of traces at the open window and the puzzling nature of the fingerprints, highlighting the uncertainty of physical evidence.

• IV: Study

  Anthony demonstrates that the apparent signs of a struggle are misleading, showing how physical evidence can be manipulated to create a false narrative.

• I

  Anthony questions the reliability of the clues he finds, such as the woman's hair and the sandal marks, and doubts his own theories.

• Secretary and the Sister

  The maid's initial alibi for Deacon is revealed to be unreliable, highlighting how evidence can shift and undermine investigations.

• I

  Anthony questions the reliability of the fingerprint evidence and the circumstantial case against Deacon, highlighting the theme that evidence can be misleading.

• II

  Anthony questions the reliability of fingerprints and the apparent lack of motive, suggesting evidence may be misleading.

• The Inefficiency of Margaret

  Masterson's confession is contradicted by the porter's testimony that he had not left his flat for a week, highlighting how initial evidence can be misleading.

• IV

  Anthony reflects on the complexity of evidence, questioning whether actions are genuine or staged.

• IX: The Inquest

  Anthony challenges the strength of circumstantial and fingerprint evidence against Deacon, arguing that a clever murderer would not leave such obvious clues.

• III

  Anthony questions the fingerprint evidence, arguing that a clever murderer would not leave such obvious clues.

• X: Birds of the Air

  Fingerprints on the wood-rasp and the clock alibi are discussed as potentially misleading evidence.

• I

  Sir Arthur's testimony about the time and the fingerprint evidence are both called into question, showing how evidence can mislead.

• The Bow and Arrow

  Anthony questions the apparent evidence, such as the perfect table scar and the clean fingerprints, suggesting that what seems conclusive may be misleading.

• Exhibits

  Deacon's fingerprints on the murder weapon are presented as incontrovertible proof, yet Anthony believes Deacon is innocent, highlighting the potential for planted or misleading evidence.

• XIII: Irons in the Fire

  Anthony lists contradictory clues (fingerprints, letters, clock tampering) that do not yet form a coherent picture, highlighting the unreliability of surface evidence.

• I

  Anthony lists contradictory clues—innocent fingerprints, stolen letters, a clumsy alibi attempt—highlighting how evidence can mislead.

• XIV: Hay-Fever

  Belford's confession reveals that his earlier testimony at the inquest was false, underscoring how eyewitness accounts and alibis can be unreliable.

• II

  Anthony reviews the inquest report multiple times and identifies 'blasted gaps,' underscoring the incomplete and uncertain nature of the evidence.

• III

  Anthony's investigation of the wood-rasp and the butler's hay-fever shows how physical evidence and witness testimony can be misleading or incomplete.

• II

  Anthony's recollection of a quotation from the Aeneid and its connection to Dora Masterson suggests that small details may be key, but memory can be unreliable.

• Revelation and the Sparrow

  The inquest and identification were based on mistaken identity; Anthony's investigation corrects the false evidence.

• II

  The inquest and identification were based on a mistaken identity.

• XVII: By The Owl’s Commissioner

  Anthony demonstrates how fingerprints can be planted and alibis manipulated, questioning the reliability of forensic evidence.